Officers in Portugal are carrying out a new search to find Madeleine McCann, almost 18 years after she went missing.
The searches are taking place to the east of Praia da Luz, close to where one of the suspects in the case lived.
Several searches have taken place over the years, with the most recent in 2023.
Madeleine McCann’s parents recently shared an update on the 18th anniversary of her disappearance.
In a post on the Find Madeleine website, they said:
“As we arrive at the 18th anniversary of Madeleine’s abduction, we’d like to thank our faithful supporters once again for standing by us and never forgetting about Madeleine.
“The years appear to be passing even more quickly and whilst we have no significant news to share, our determination to ‘leave no stone unturned’ is unwavering.
“We will do our utmost to achieve this.
“May is also the month which includes ‘International Missing Children’s Day’ (25th).
“We continue to remember all missing children and their families, both here in the UK and abroad, thinking especially of all the children displaced from their homes & families in Ukraine & Gaza at this time.
“We’re very grateful to the UK Charity, ‘Missing People’ for their ongoing, invaluable work, & to all organisations, charities and police forces who remain committed, despite many challenges and limited resources, to finding & bringing home the many missing and abducted children.
“May is also Madeleine’s birthday – her 22nd this year.
“No matter how near or far she is, she continues to be right here with us, every day, but especially on her special day.
“We continue to ‘celebrate’ her as the very beautiful and unique person she is. We miss her.”
Kate, Gerry & family
About Madeleine:
‘Madeleine was born in May 2003 – a long-awaited and very much longed for little girl.
‘She lives in the village of Rothley in Leicester, with her mummy and daddy and little brother and sister, Sean and Amelie.
‘Madeleine is a very happy little girl with an outgoing personality.
‘She has always been a very popular little person, appealing to both children and adults alike with her funny and engaging chatter.
‘She has many friends who obviously miss her dearly.
‘Despite her young age, it often felt like Madeleine had been on this earth before.
‘Like most girls her age, she likes dolls and dresses (and anything pink and sparkly) but with a definite taste for action-adventure too!
‘She has an incredible amount of energy and even as a little baby, didn’t seem to need much rest. She enjoys running and swimming and is an Everton fan like her mum and grandad.
‘Madeleine has always been a wonderfully loving and caring big sister to Sean and Amelie. It was certainly not the quietest house on the planet with lots of giggling, singing and the inevitable odd bit of mischief!
‘For Sean and Amelie, there is without doubt, a very important person missing in their life.
‘Madeleine is a warm, life-enriching little person and will never fail we’re sure, to bring joy into the life of anyone she may encounter.’
